Articles Posted inFireworks Accident

The Fourth of July is naturally the high-point of the year for firework activities. But it is a mistake to assume that fireworks are only used for the mid-summer holiday and not at other times. This is not the case. In fact, because of the climate in our area, fireworks are used for various occasions throughout the year here. For that reasons it is crucial for all local residents to be continually reminded of the need to use extra caution whenever these explosive are used.

The consequences are literally life-threatening.

San Diego Fireworks Death
For example, as we mentioned last week The Press Enterprisereported recently on the passing of a young San Diego man from injuries suffered during a fireworks mishap. According to the report, 20-year old William Calabrese was working with two others (including a fire inspector) were setting up a fireworks display for a local minor league baseball game, the Lake Elsinore Storm, when something went awry.

Many details about the accident remain under investigation. However, there was apparently an explosion in a truck, which may or may not have been carrying the firework. The explosion caused the truck to go up in flames, which injured all three men working on the display. Mr. Calabrese suffered the most serious injuries and was flown by helicopter to a local hospital. The other two men suffered minor burns and were taken by ambulance.

Mr. Calabrese’s injuries were life-threatening. Medical professionals did all they could to save him, but the damage proved too much. He suffered burns on 90% of his body. The accident occurred on Friday, August 31st, and Mr. Calabrese passed away two days later.

Legal Liability
Of course it is far too early to make any inferences about legal liability following this tragedy. It goes without saying that the investigation needs to be completed fully before any determinations are made. To start, the specific cause of of the explosion needs to be ascertained. Was it something with the manufacture of the fireworks? Was there sometimes off about the way the explosives were loaded into the vehicle? Was the truck driven properly? Did some other object intervene and cause the explosion?

The potential factors are limitless, and it will be crucial to understand what actually was at the root of the tragedy. This is important to ensure lessons are learned so that a similar tragedy never against strikes. It may also be important to determine accountability so those hurt can receive redress for their losses.

It is not uncommon for civil actions following tragedies like this to involve multiple parties. The minor league team that was putting on the display may be involved, those that sold and manufactured the fireworks could be named, and other third parties may be discovered to have acted unreasonably
The dangers of fireworks, particularly large displays with heavy explosives, are well-known. That knowledge will also factor into any legal action stemming from this event. That is because “reasonable” behavior hinges on what is known or should have been known about the safety risks of any given situation.

To receive advice about recovery following an accident in San Diego or surrounding communities, feel free to call the San Diego accident lawyers at the Walton Law Firm to learn how we can help. There is no obligation and no cost.

Our Southern California personal injury lawyers have seen countless unfortunate accidents that leave victims with various degrees of burns causing excruciating pain, or even the victim’s death. One of these cases tragically occurred this past week on August 31st. That day, 20-year-old William Calabrese of San Diego became the victim of a fireworks accident in Lake Elsinore, California. According to the Press Enterprise, Calabrese and two other people were injured when an explosion occurred near a minor league baseball stadium, setting off fireworks that may have been enclosed in a truck that burned in the resulting fire. The fireworks were meant for a fireworks show at the Lake Elsinore Storm Minor League Baseball Game.

The accident occurred just before 5:00 PM, and Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department responded to the 500 block of South Diamond Drive after calls reporting a vehicle on fire. Calabrese suffered burns over 90% of his body and was transported by air to the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, California. The two other victims suffered only minor burns. Calabrese passed away two days later on September 2nd. The cause of his death is currently under investigation. The cause of the accident is still unknown and is also currently under investigation.

The Effects of Burn Injuries From Explosion or Fire Accidents:
When an accident occurs involving an explosion and/or a fire, it is extremely important that a proper investigation be conducted in order to determine the cause. It is advisable to contact a lawyer who specializes in these types of accidents who can ensure that an investigation is completed, recovering all relevant evidence in your case. Furthermore, a burn injury attorney will have the requisite knowledge of the intricacies of burn wounds, which helps them advocate for the compensation you deserve. Burn injuries of any degree are amongst the most painful injuries imaginable, yet the pain and suffering does not always end with the physical injury. These types of wounds often require a lengthy hospitalization and extensive medical attention throughout recovery. This leaves victims not only with physical pain, but also with financial stresses that should be compensated.

Getting Legal Help in Southern California:
If you have suffered an injury due to a fireworks accident, or any other burn injury, do not hesitate to contact a burn accident attorney to find out about protecting your rights. The San Diego personal injury lawyers of the Walton Law Firm have the experience necessary to advocate for compensation for your burn injury. They can also help you if you have lost a loved one to such an injury. Contact the Walton Law Firm toll free at (866) 607-1325 or locally at (760) 571-5500 for a free confidential consultation about your case and to find out how we can help you. A confidential consultation can also be requested through our website.

The Fourth of July celebrations in San Diego Bay ended quickly. As many local residents saw first-hand, the fireworks show did not occur as scheduled. Instead, a computer glitch caused the show to trigger before the scheduled time, leaving holiday celebrators without the traditional fireworks show to close out their Fourth of July. The planned 20-minute firework show ended in a matter of seconds when the lights exploded unexpectedly, lighting up the San Diego night sky.

According to the Coast Guard, the fireworks triggered just minutes before the scheduled opening of the Big Bay Boom show. As documented in online video shows, the early explosion of all the fireworks at once was a short sequence of rapid and extremely loud snaps and pops. Such a scene would have likely been a cause for chaos among the spectators patiently waiting for the fireworks show to begin. Our experienced San Diego personal injury attorneys understand that mishaps can happen in even the most organized events such as these, creating the potential for spectators to get hurt.

Firework Accidents
Considering the intensity of the explosion, it is a miracle that no one was hurt. The reality is that many fireworks accidents cause significant harm to those attempting to light the explosives and to observers. Burn injuries are common. Unfortunately, children are often at the highest risk of injury from fireworks. According to data released by the American Academy of Opthalmology, of the 9,000 fireworks-related injuries each year, more than half of victims are children or teenagers. In addition, one in five injuries affect the eyes.

Various reports have already spread across the country regarding individuals injured in fireworks shows this season. For example, in Pelham, eleven people were injured on Tuesday, including five children, when several boxes of fireworks went off unexpectedly at a home.

In San Gabriel Valley a car was destroyed and several observers injured after discarded fireworks in a trash can ignited.

In Woodland a young child suffered severe burns when her clothing caught fire following a fireworks accident. The six-year old girl had apparently been using a sparkler when, for unknown reasons, her clothing ignited. She was rushed to a local hospital, but the extent of the injuries are unknown. Sparklers are common (and legal) in California, so it is unclear if the injury was a freak accident or connected to some problem with the product itself.

Legal Help
As the San Diego fireworks show mishaps illustrates, fireworks accidents can occur unexpectedly even to the most experienced parties responsible for spectacles such as these. All those hurt by these incidents–whether at a big show or a private display–should understand that they may have legal rights to seek compensation for harm caused by the accident. In our area, it is imperative for injured parties to seek the advice of our San Diego personal injury lawyers to ensure that their legal rights are protected. We offer free consultations for individuals who have suffered injuries in all types of accidents.